Luxury Vinyl Flooring Pros And Cons

With their many attractive benefits, including low maintenance, durability, and excellent price point, luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl planks are taking the surface industry by storm. Homeowners and commercial business owners are both jumping on the trend, but what's the real story behind this modern craze, and is luxury vinyl flooring indeed the perfect material, or is it too good to be true? We break down all the important pros and cons, including the key vinyl plank flooring advantages and disadvantages, that can help you decide for yourself. Understanding this can help you determine whether LVP is the right choice for your space

PROS OF LUXURY VINYL TILE AND PLANK FLOORING

100% Waterproof and Durabile

Whether considering the material for a residential or commercial space, the durability of both LVT and plank is an attractive feature. Luxury vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof and can be installed in indoor spaces prone to puddles and moisture, such as mudrooms, laundry rooms, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. And because it comes in many designs that convincingly mimic wood and natural stone, it is a perfect substitute for areas not suited to those materials. Besides standing up to drips and steam, it is not susceptible to stains, scuffs, scratches, mold, or mildew, making it a popular choice in heavy-traffic areas and entry zones.

Of course, no floor is indestructible, but if you want to add an additional layer of protection to your LVT, you should add rugs or runners and put sliders or felt on the bottom of furniture legs.

Easy to Maintain

For many homeowners and business owners, the promise of an easy-to-clean floor is the luxury vinyl flooring benefit that clinches the deal. It already has a protective wear layer and does not require sealing, which means that waxing, polishing, and staining are a thing of the past with LVT. While hardwood, natural stone, and even some types of tile require extra TLC, luxury vinyl flooring is super low maintenance – simply sweep or damp mop regularly, or even run the vacuum with the beater bar turned off – and your surface will look pristine for years!

When it's time for a more thorough deep clean, a bucket of hot water with a cup of white vinegar will do the trick for mopping. Check with the manufacturer first before using all-purpose or commercial cleaners, as they will be able to fill you in on any vinyl flooring care and maintenance recommendations. And, of course, steer clear of harsh chemicals that contain bleach, abrasive ingredients, or ammonia, which could harm the protective wear layer.

Budget-Friendly

LVT is at an attractive price point compared to natural options or even carpet. On average, LVT runs about $2-5/sq. ft., which may include installation costs. In contrast, the carpet will set you back approximately $3-5.50/sq. ft., and wood will lighten your pocketbook by anywhere from $8-25/sq. ft. And considering that it can convincingly give you the look of natural wood, the price difference is potentially a game changer.

Besides the initial investment, LVP and LVT flooring will cost less to maintain over their lifetime than carpet, which requires regular cleaning and will have to be replaced sooner. In some cases, luxury vinyl can be installed over an existing one if the surface is clean, level, dry, and structurally sound. This can reduce the time and labor required to remove the old flooring before laying down your new tile or plank. In addition, a third option is sheet vinyl, which is even more cost-effective. Although it is less durable, it is a more affordable option.

For cost planning, read our luxury vinyl flooring cost comparison guide. Considering the luxury vinyl flooring advantages and disadvantages can help you determine whether its performance and maintenance requirements fit your needs.

Cons of Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank Flooring

Understanding the disadvantages of luxury vinyl flooring is just as important as knowing its benefits. When weighing the pros and cons of LVF, there are a few things you should know before you jump on the bandwagon.

May Dent

Yes, LVT and planks are highly durable, but that's not to say they are indestructible. These are the potential problems with luxury vinyl plank flooring to consider when choosing for a busy home or commercial space. However, vinyl tile and plank flooring will stand up to mishaps better than hardwood, which is something to consider.

Can Fade If Exposed to Sun's Rays

Sunlight is powerful, so LVT and luxury vinyl planks can fade if they are regularly exposed to direct sunlight: an important consideration when comparing the luxury vinyl tile pros and cons. Luxury vinyl flooring performs better than cheaper vinyl, but sun damage is still an important factor to keep in mind.

While you could keep your blinds closed to prevent fading, that might make your rooms less inviting. A better solution is to put a UV-blocking film on your windows to tint them slightly and block these powerful rays without darkening your rooms.

One last strategy to consider while buying vinyl is to purchase additional tiles or planks. It's a key selling point that you can easily replace one tile or plank as needed, but that means you should buy it upfront to ensure you aren't stuck requiring an out-of-stock item. If you have extra material, you can replace any faded or damaged tiles or planks down the road and make your floor look new again in no time.

Some Types May Be Difficult to Remove

If you choose luxury vinyl of the click-lock tile variety, this won't be a problem, as it's easy to remove and replace a single tile or the whole floor. However, if you opt for sheet vinyl or glue-down LVT, it can be difficult to get up once the adhesive has dried. However, there is a strategy for removing glue-down flooring – cut it down into strips a foot wide and pull it up, then scrape off any remaining glue residue and vacuum anything left over.

How to Choose the Right Vinyl Flooring for Different Rooms

The right luxury vinyl flooring depends on how each room is used. Before choosing, consider moisture, foot traffic, household activity, and the type of wear it will face. This quick guide can help you narrow down the best fit for specific products.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

For kitchens and bathrooms, water-resistant vinyl flooring is often a practical choice because these rooms regularly encounter spills, splashes, and moisture. When comparing luxury vinyl flooring pros and cons, look beyond the product itself and consider installation. Properly handling edges, seams, transitions, and the subfloor is important in moisture-prone spaces.

Living Rooms and Bedrooms

In living rooms and bedrooms, appearance and comfort tend to be bigger considerations. Luxury vinyl plank offers a wide range of wood-look designs, while luxury vinyl tile can recreate the appearance of stone and other materials. Compared with hardwood, LVT can also offer easier day-to-day care and greater moisture resistance.

Entryways and High-Traffic Areas

Entryways, hallways, and other busy areas need flooring that can handle repeated traffic, dirt, and grit. Check the product's wear layer, construction, warranty, and recommended use before buying. Regular sweeping and prompt cleanup can also help reduce wear and keep the surface looking its best.

Homes with Pets and Children

For busy households, consider scratch and stain resistance, easy maintenance, and overall durability when comparing. Luxury vinyl can handle many everyday spills and messes, but it is not completely damage-proof. Furniture pads, mats near exterior doors, and regular cleaning can help protect the floor from scratches, scuffs, and tracked-in debris.

The room is only one part of the decision. Set-up method, product construction, and the demands of your household can also affect which type makes sense for your project.

Bottom Line: What's the Right Flooring Material for You?

Available in a virtually endless number of designs and colors – including hardwood and natural stone looks – LVT flooring is an attractive and durable option for home and business owners who require low-maintenance flooring. And because vinyl flooring has come such a long way in terms of technology, you won't even recognize it as the great-grandchild of your grandma's kitchen floor. It comes in a wide array of realistic wood and stone looks while offering a level of water resistance and durability that natural materials can't rival. However, before diving in, consider the pros and cons of LVT, and then confidently choose your next flooring project.

If you want flooring that can handle everyday life without asking for too much in return, luxury vinyl deserves consideration. Start by comparing MSI’s Everlife luxury vinyl flooring options and using the specs, installation type, and room conditions to guide the decision.

Frequently asked Questions | LVP Pros & Cons

Can you put a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, a refrigerator can generally be placed on vinyl plank flooring. However, heavy appliances can potentially dent or damage the surface, particularly if they are moved. Use appliance rollers or protective boards while moving a refrigerator and avoid dragging it directly across the floor. It is also important to follow the flooring manufacturer's recommendations for heavy appliances and installation.

Do high-end homes use luxury vinyl planks?

Yes. Luxury vinyl plank is used in some high-end homes, particularly where homeowners want the look of hardwood with easier maintenance. However, flooring preferences vary by home, location, design, and budget. Natural stone, tile, and luxury vinyl can all be appropriate depending on the space and desired finish.

Is luxury vinyl flooring good for kitchens?

Yes, luxury vinyl flooring can be a good choice for kitchens. Many LVP and LVT products are waterproof and can handle everyday spills, foot traffic, and routine cleaning. For the best performance, choose a product designed for the intended use and make sure the subfloor is properly prepared.

Which is better, laminate or vinyl?

Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on where and how the flooring will be used. Luxury vinyl flooring is often preferred for moisture-prone areas because many products are waterproof, while laminate can be a practical choice if appearance, cost, and scratch resistance are priorities. Compare the specific product's construction, water resistance, wear layer, installation technique, and warranty before deciding.